Denny and Karen Vinar fell in love as teenagers. They even had a baby when Karen was only 15 years old, but they were forced to split up after placing their child for adoption. What neither of them expected was to be reunited with each other after more than 50 years.
Karen recalled, “I only lived two blocks from the school, so he would walk me home after school practically every day.” “After football or basketball games, you’d run down and shower, and she’d be waiting up there all for me,” Denny explained.
The couple thought they’d be together forever in 1961, but a positive pregnancy test changed everything.
When Karen’s family learned of her pregnancy, they transferred her to a home for unwed mothers, where Denny would only have a few chances to visit her.
The couple only had an hour with their baby girl after she was born before she was given up for adoption. “That was the last time we saw her. We had a photograph taken of her, and that was the last time we saw her
The couple remained in love, and Denny proposed to Karen after returning home from the military in the 1960s.
Although she said yes, her family did not approve because they preferred Jaren to pursue an education. Being in love made it extremely difficult for them to part ways, but they had no choice. “No, I didn’t stop thinking about her. She has, as I say, a piece of my heart. No, she was always present “Denny asserted.
They’ve been living in different parts of the country for the past 53 years. However, in 2014, I became interested in Karen and decided to look her up online. Fortunately, he tracked her down and left a message at her workplace in Everett, Washington.
“I called back immediately and said – how did you find me?” recalled Karen who was thrilled to reconnect with her old flame. Next thing you know, Denny flew out to meet Karen.
“It was just magic. She got out of the car and she ran around and she jumped on me and said babe, you’re home. It did feel like nothing changed. Including his dimples. When he smiled and his sparkling eyes,” said Karen who tied the know with Denny 36 hours later and settled down in the Twin Cities. Then again, something was missing. It was their baby girl.
“One day he said, ‘Karen it took me this long to find you. My life would be complete if we could find our daughter,'” she shared of their conversation. Soon the two worked with Lutheran Social Services and managed to find Jean, who after much thought and letters decided to meet her biological parents.
“I don’t think there are many feelings that would compare to not ever having seen your parents and then they just walk in the door. It’s a very emotional, moving experience. When he walked through the door and I looked at him I was like, oh my gosh. Because I’ve never, ever looked like anybody before. Never. Ever,” shared Jean. Now they are busy making up for all the lost holidays, birthdays, and time.
